Louis R. Walker, Jr., 1975 (Swimming and Diving)
A 26-year veteran of the SU coaching staff, Lou Walker earned a degree in physical education from the school of Arts and Science in 1975 and a Masters Degree in education from SU in 1982. A four-year varsity swimming letterwinner, he was a two-time captain and a four-year finalist at the Eastern Championship. He set seven school records during his career. Walker qualified for the Pan American trials, the NCAA Championship and the U.S. Nationals. Walker was also a member of the Physical Education Honorary fraternity.
Throughout his coaching career, which began immediately following his graduation and has spanned more than 25 years, Walker has been named the BIG EAST Coach of the Year five times. He has guided the SU swimming & diving team to three BIG EAST Conference championships and has coached 17 All-Americans, including two four-time All-Americans. Walker mentored 11 BIG EAST Most Outstanding Swimmers and the BIG EAST Athlete of the Decade for the 1980's. He has coached several Olympic qualifiers and four Olympians.
Walker has served as the president of the BIG EAST Coaches Association and has been a member of the NCAA Certification Steering Committee. He presently serves on the NCAA Swimming and Diving Committee. Since 1975 Walker has also been involved with the Senior National Championship Qualifiers and the Junior National Championship Qualifiers.
Walker is the Syracuse Chargers Swimming Club's president, an organization he has also served as head coach and participated with as a swimmer. He served as the Chairman for the United States Swimming Niagara LSC from 1994-97, and in 1992 and 1993 Walker was involved in the NCAA Y.E.S. Clinics. Every summer Walker conducts swim clinics for the city of Syracuse Parks and recreation.
In 1997 Walker was inducted into the Orange Plus Hall of Fame.
